Everything About Potentially Dangerous Dogs in Spain

Just as some dog breeds have a friendlier temperament, others — if not properly socialized — can cause problems both at home and in public spaces. Currently, eight varieties are classified as potentially dangerous dogs in Spain.

Of course, not every individual within this risk group is aggressive. It's just that, due to traits like their physical power, strong bite, or particular temperament, they could cause serious injuries if they were to attack. Let's look in detail at everything you need to know if you're thinking about adopting one of these breeds.

Which Are the Potentially Dangerous Dog Breeds in Spain?

PPP breeds share a large build and strong dominance instincts. Many were also originally developed for tasks like big-game hunting or dogfighting, so their inherited tendency toward aggression can stay dormant in an individual's instincts. These breeds are as follows:

Pit Bull Terrier

These dogs have a dominant character, on top of their exuberant physical power. Likewise, their heritage as fighting dogs means they can be naturally aggressive if not well socialized and firmly trained from a young age.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Native to Great Britain, these dogs were bred to control livestock three or four times their size, thanks to their powerful bite. In the Middle Ages they were used in fights against bulls and bears. This fighting instinct could become a threat to humans.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American variety of the Staffordshire Terrier shares its genetic aggression. Its muscular chest and deep-rooted territorial instincts make it a complex variety to train, not suited for beginners.

Rottweiler

Many are surprised to find these dogs on the list, but it's due to their powerful bite, great weight, and extraordinary physical strength, which makes them hard to control. These dogs should be trained firmly from a young age to root out their dominant temperament, since they can become very aggressive when they lose control.

Dogo Argentino

Their size and strong, vice-like bite are why they're part of this group, though it's quite rare for them to attack humans. If well socialized from a young age, they make great companions for every member of the family, children included.

Fila Brasileiro

Very self-assured and extremely loyal to their family, these dogs are naturally wary of unfamiliar people or dogs. They're territorial and dominant, which makes them good guardians but a bit unstable around crowds.

Akita Inu

These large dogs are of Japanese origin. Their first job was protecting large feudal estates. They're naturally wary of strangers and unfamiliar dogs, though at home they tend to be very attached to their family. That said, it's not recommended to leave them alone with young children.

Tosa Inu

These also come from Japan. Their stubborn personality and dominant temperament can be difficult to control. They can take up to four years to reach adulthood, meaning they aren't always fully aware of the harm their sturdy build can cause.

What Characteristics Do Potentially Dangerous Dogs Have in Spain?

Current legislation sets out the conditions a breed must meet to be registered as dangerous in Spain. These are:

• Strong, dominant, territorial personality.
• Clearly marked courage
• Well-developed musculature, a powerful look, and a sturdy build
• Short coat
• Wide, short neck
• A deep chest, with an arched thorax and a short, very strong back.
• Cube-shaped head and wide skull.
• Strong, large jaw, with a deep mouth and scissor bite.
• Straight, sturdy front legs, along with well-muscled, long, angled hind legs.
• Chest circumference between 60 and 80 cm; height at the withers between 50 and 70 cm, while weight must exceed 20 kilos.

Beyond these considerations, it's worth knowing that a dog resulting from a cross between these breeds will also be added to the list. But that's not all: any dog that behaves aggressively can be declared dangerous if the request is backed by a registered vet.

There are also discrepancies between Spain's different autonomous communities about which breeds are considered dangerous. Because of this, it's always worth checking with your local town hall.

How Can I Adopt a PPP Dog in Spain?

As a first step, anyone wanting to care for a potentially dangerous dog in Spain must obtain a license confirming they meet the following requirements:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Have no convictions for homicide, injury, torture, or having been found guilty of crimes against freedom or moral integrity, sexual freedom and public health, or association with an armed group or drug trafficking.
• People who are legally barred from owning dangerous animals also can't have access to these dogs. Likewise, people sanctioned for serious or very serious violations under section 3 of Article 13 of Law 50/1999, of December 23, on the legal regime for potentially dangerous animals, aren't accepted.
• Be in the physical and mental condition needed to care for one of these dogs. This requires passing a physical and psychological exam evaluating hearing, vision, neurological, and motor system capabilities.
• Provide proof of third-party liability insurance with coverage of at least 120,000 euros.
• The license expires after five years. To renew it, the license holder must still meet the physical and legal conditions explained above.

Beyond these administrative requirements, if you want to adopt a potentially dangerous dog in Spain, there are a number of obligations you need to know about.

Safety Measures for a Potentially Dangerous Dog

The risk of having a dog with these traits increases in public spaces. For this reason, the most important measures you need to take focus on prevention during walks:

1. Whenever you walk your dog, you must carry the license and proof of its registration with the municipal registry.
2. It's absolutely essential that they go out with a muzzle.
3. Retractable leashes, or ones longer than 2 m, aren't allowed.
4. Only one person can walk a dog of this type at a time — never two or more.
5. A dog of this type can never be walked by a minor.
6. These dogs aren't allowed to be off-leash or outside properly enclosed, fenced areas, even on private property.
7. If the animal is lost or you suspect it's been stolen, you must report it to the authorities within the first 48 hours of its disappearance.

Failing to comply with these rules carries fines of up to 15,000 euros. And if the dog causes harm to someone, it's the person who adopted it who is held responsible.

Beyond these regulations, the key to raising a balanced, peaceful dog — whatever the breed — is proper socialization from puppyhood and training built on respect, firmness, and affection.